In the West Wing, one of our strategies to build a strong sense of community is to provide experiences that initiate collaboration. One of the ways we are doing this is through a weaving we call “The Thread Game”. The children explain how it is played:
Arrow: I passed it to my partner, then she passed it back to me.
Zoe: I just put it (the needle) to Mason, then Mason pulled it.
Mason: Then I pushed it to Zoe.
Zoe: Then I pushed it back to Mason! 
This is not a space where children can work alone or even parallel (alongside, but not engaged) with a peer. If they want to play, the game necessitates that they must begin by finding a partner. We see the parallels between this game and engaging in conversation that promotes collaboration: They must be present and attentive during the game, it requires looking at their partner and reading their face and body language for cues while giving and receiving the needle attached to the thread. -Studio Teacher Amy